MA Social Research

Program Overview

The MA Social Research at the University of Birmingham is structured to combine theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experience in social research. The program is designed for students who aim to work in academia, government, think tanks, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or other research-oriented positions. It focuses on developing skills in designing and conducting social research, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation, with an emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Students will be exposed to a range of social research topics and will have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as social policy analysis, community studies, poverty and inequality, and criminal justice. This program is ideal for those seeking to develop strong research skills that can be applied to real-world social issues.

Curriculum: The MA Social Research program includes a blend of core and elective modules, allowing students to tailor their learning to their specific interests. Core modules typically cover subjects such as Research Design and Methodology, Quantitative Data Analysis, Qualitative Research Methods, and Social Theory. These foundational courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies, ethical considerations in research, and the principles of social inquiry. Optional modules allow students to explore more specialized topics, including Social Policy and Welfare, Migration and Refugee Studies, Gender and Sexuality, and Global Development and Inequality. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, applying the skills they have gained throughout the course.

Research Focus: The MA Social Research program at the University of Birmingham places a strong emphasis on the importance of research in understanding and addressing contemporary social issues. The research focus is broad, covering various aspects of social life, including health inequality, poverty, migration, gender studies, and public policy. Students are encouraged to critically examine the social structures and processes that contribute to inequality and social injustice, using empirical data to explore these issues in depth. The program is designed to equip students with the ability to conduct rigorous research that can contribute to evidence-based policy making and social change. By engaging with current social issues, students will have the opportunity to make significant contributions to the field through their independent research projects.

Industry Engagement: The MA Social Research program at the University of Birmingham benefits from strong industry links with governmental bodies, NGOs, research institutes, and social policy think tanks. This engagement ensures that students are exposed to the latest developments in social research and are prepared to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Students have opportunities to undertake internships, collaborative research projects, or work placements, gaining valuable experience and building professional networks in the social research and policy sectors. Guest speakers from industry and research organizations also contribute to the program, providing students with insights into the practical application of social research and the challenges faced by researchers in the field.

Global Perspective: The MA Social Research program at the University of Birmingham incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the importance of understanding social issues in a global context. Students are encouraged to consider social research topics from an international viewpoint, particularly in relation to global challenges such as migration, climate change, economic inequality, and human rights. The program prepares students to conduct research that can be applied in international settings, whether in global development, transnational policy research, or international human rights advocacy. By examining social issues from a global perspective, students develop a deeper understanding of how social problems are interconnected across borders and how research can contribute to solutions on a global scale.